Teacher’s Year

Sarah Miller has been teaching for eighteen years, with experience in public and independent schools. She earned both her bachelor’s degree (in English and Classical Civilization) and Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Sarah has worked as an academic coach and runs her school’s writing center where she enjoys helping students find their voice. A Charlotte, North Carolina native, she lives there with her husband and two children.

“These stories made me wish I was back in the classroom again. Sarah's conversational, encouraging, heartfelt chapters are full of tips and tricks and lessons for new and seasoned professionals. From grading and sub plans to classroom seating ideas and suggestions for email correspondence with parents, it's honest, humorous and self-affirming. Reading this will make you feel like you had a conversation with an honest, experienced, and supportive teaching colleague.”Tim Fish, Founder and President, Two Chairs Studio, LLC. Former Chief Innovation Officer at the National Association of Independent Schools, Co-author of book Leadership and Technology at Independent Schools“This is exactly the book we need right now to support those who are finding it tough, inspire those who feel stale, and nurture the newly qualified cohorts to meet their own needs, and feel less alone and more energized to remain in the profession from someone who doubted themselves but who ultimately stayed and is glad she did. We all need to learn how to ‘BE our true teacher selves’, and this book is the companion on the journey we can’t do without. [W]hilst much of it would be relevant to the education culture in the US, many of the ideas and wellbeing suggestions will be universal.”Emma L. Palastanga, Education Consultant, author of A Creative Primary Curriculum for All and lead author of Supporting Bereaved Children in the Primary Classroom"This book is practical, kind, generous, and potentially extremely helpful to new and veteran teachers. I can imagine it as a great asset as a school entry gift for new teachers: support with heart for what can be a lonely insecure cohort…The tone is fabulous—endearing, funny, helpful."Sarah R. Putnam, Director Rockwell Education Associates, former head of school

• 1. August: Butterflies and School Supplies 2. September: Getting Past the Breakers 3. October: 90% Slog, 10% Grace 4. November: The Warmth of the Copier 5. December: Stacking Boxes 6. January: Trying to Build Rome with a Handful of Sand 7. February: February Sucks 8. March: March Madness 9. April: April is the Most 10. May: The Five Hundred and Ninety-Five Days of May 11. June: Even the Word Itself Sounds Peaceful 12. July: This Page Left Intentionally Blank